Town of East Hampton
Public Hearing – EDC Ordinance Revision 6:00 p.m.
Town Council Regular Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
Minutes
Public Hearing – EDC Ordinance Revision:
Present: Chairperson Melissa Engel, Vice Chairman Thomas Cordeiro and members, Christopher Goff, Scott Minnick and John Tuttle. Also present were Acting Town Manager Robert Drewry, Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois, many citizens, members of other Boards and Commissions and members of the press.
Not Present: William Devine and Susan Weintraub
Chairperson Engel called the Public Hearing to order at 6:03 p.m.
Richard Gosselin, Hills Avenue, noted a typographical error in section 4.
The Public Hearing closed at 6:06 p.m.
Town Council Regular Meeting:
Present: Chairperson Melissa Engel, Vice Chairman Thomas Cordeiro and members, William Devine, Christopher Goff, Scott Minnick, John Tuttle and Susan Weintraub. Also present were Acting Town Manager Robert Drewry, Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois, many citizens, members of other Boards and Commissions and members of the press.
Call to order and Pledge of Allegiance: Chairperson Engel called the regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. All stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to add the following items to the agenda:
Old Business – Vote to approve EDC Ordinance Revisions
Old Business – Salmon River Project Funding
New Business – Discuss Brownfields consultant recommendation
Voted (7-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Minnick, to move Public Remarks following Approval of Minutes. Voted (7-0).
Approval of Minutes:
A. Town Council, Regular Meeting, April 8, 2008: A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting of April 8, 2008 as written. Voted (5-0-2). Mr. Minnick and Mr. Devine abstained as they were not in attendance at that meeting.
B. Town Council, Special Meeting, April 16, 2008: A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Special Meeting of April 16, 2008 as written. Voted (4-0-3). Mr. Devine, Mr. Minnick and Mr. Tuttle abstained as they were not in attendance at that meeting.
Public Comments:
Mr. Devine read a comment from Ray Zatorski who was not able to attend the meeting, expressing his support of Dave Simko’s continued and selfless service to the town of East Hampton which is now measured in decades not just years. By his action Dave shows the highest integrity in his duty as town moderator. Although he is not in my political party, in my opinion, as a first hand observer the elections Dave has overseen are fair and accurate. Dave deserves our thanks and continued support as a valued member serving our town.
David Simko, Long Hill Road, read a letter (included as a part of the minutes) regarding the State Elections Enforcement Commission complaint.
Margaret Jacobson, Republican Registrar of Voters, endorses everything that Dave Simko stated in his comments. She felt insulted by the SEEC complaint. The Town of East Hampton is being used as an example.
Valerie Bossi, Podium Players, concerned about the annex space at the Library/Senior Center being withdrawn as meeting space. Podium Players is having issues getting space in town buildings for rehearsals and performances. Kevin Reich, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, will meet with Ms. Bossi regarding using the school space.
Susan Wielgosh, 79 North Main Street, would like to know when the noise and safety signs will be going up at Angelico’s and when the lighting issue will be taken care of. She noted that music at Angelico’s during the weekend of April 19th was extremely loud until 11:00pm. Last week there was a car motor running for a half hour in the parking area. The police were called and the motor was shut off. She is concerned about the litter/cans/bottles around the lake area. She would like to see No Littering signs around the town.
Kyle Dostaler, 56 William Drive, noted that the hiring of a full time zoning enforcement officer is a plus in the upcoming budget and is hopeful that will not be cut from the budget. He also mentioned the amount in the budget for legal fees.
Sandra Marshall, Smith Street, noted there is a need for speed patrol on Smith Street, Summit Street and Main Street. She is very concerned about the pedestrians on those roads. She also mentioned the large potholes on Flanders Road and Smith Street.
Don Coolican, West Lane, thanked Dave Simko for his work on the election.
New Business:
A. Review and Act on 2008-2009 Town Budget: Ted Hintz, Chairman of the Board of Finance and Sharon Kjellquist, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Finance, reviewed the budget totals. Ms. Weintraub moved to appropriate from the 2008-2009 budget $15,000 to the Senior Center budget for a 19 hour per week part time recreation assistant to oversee programming on a day to day basis. The addition of this part time staff is based on the increased needs and the growing population of seniors in East Hampton. A documented 210 people per week attend Senior Center programs. The 1000 person membership is expected to increase to 1200 in 2009. To accomplish this appropriation, the following budgets will be reduced: EDC $2,500, Animal Control
$2,500, Transfer Station $5,000 and Public Works $5,000. Seconded by Mr. Minnick. Voted against (2-5) Ms. Engel, Mr. Cordeiro, Mr. Devine, Mr. Goff and Mr. Tuttle voting against. Prior to the vote, the Council discussed the pros and cons of the request.
Mr. Minnick asked about the funding for the water system in the budget and when a town meeting will be scheduled. Mr. Hintz noted that the funds have already been approved in the last two years budgets. As this funding was approved in prior year’s budgets at the referendums there is no need for a town meeting on these funds.
Mr. Cordeiro noted that there were tough decisions made in this budget and commends the Board of Finance and Mr. Drewry for the work they have done. He is comfortable with this budget.
Mr. Goff agreed with Mr. Cordeiro about the budget. He noted it is difficult to compare the departments and the needs of each department.
Mr. Tuttle supports the budget and is particularly pleased with the Board of Education’s technology commitment and the funding for a Zoning Enforcement Officer. He commended the Board of Finance for the work they have done on the budget.
Mr. Devine supports the budget and commended the Board of Finance.
Mr. Minnick feels the budget underfunds the Senior Center and the community. He is pleased to see technology being funded for education.
Ms. Weintraub asked Jeff Jylkka if $15,000 can be found to fund the Senior Center staff. He would need to meet with Mr. Drewry on this subject.
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Devine, to approve the 2008-2009 Board of Finance Town Budget. Voted (7-0).
B. Set Town Meeting Date to Send Budget to Referendum: A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Goff, to set the town meeting date of April 28, 2008. Voted (7-0).
C. Seniors “Back Room”: This item will be tabled to a future meeting.
D. Hazardous Waste Pick Up: Ms. Engel had a request from the Seniors to have a hazardous waste pickup in East Hampton. Mr. Drewry noted that MDC used to hold this in East Hampton but it was not a centralized location for other towns. The centralized location was moved to Middletown. There are approximately 16 locations throughout the state. It would be cost prohibitive for the town to fund this project on their own. Mr. Tuttle asked if we could collect items in town and transport the items to the dropoff location. Mr. Drewry noted that because this is hazardous waste the town cannot take on that responsibility.
E. Brownfields Consultant Recommendation: Scott Bristol provided a letter to the Town Council requesting approval to enter into a contract for professional services for the assessment and remediation of 103 Main Street. A motion was made by Mr. Minnick, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to instruct the Town Manager on behalf of the Brownfields Steering Committee to enter into negotiations with a professional remediation firm for the assessment and remediation of 103 Main Street. Voted (7-0).
Old (Continued) Business:
A. Town Manager Search: Chairperson Engel spoke with Randi Frank regarding the resumes received for the Town Manager search. She has received 13 resumes to date.
B. Police Chief’s Report: This item will be tabled to the next meeting.
C. Vote to Approve EDC Ordinance Revisions: A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve the revised/corrected version of the EDC ordinance. Voted (7-0).
D. Salmon River Project Funding: Chairperson Engel spoke with Mr. Drewry and Mr. Jylkka who will review the budget and locate funds for the project.
Board, Commission, Agency & Task Force Remarks:
Brandon Goff, Student Council Liaison from the Middle School, reported on the final standings of the basketball and volleyball teams. Open Recreation Day was held to celebrate the end of CMT testing. The school celebrated Black History month with posters and homeroom discussions. The PTO sponsored Variety show included sixty students in over 30 acts. Many members of the Middle School band joined with musicians from the other schools in town to perform at the Goff House. The annual Pennies for Patients drive collected $2,100 for cancer research. The student council is getting ready for Teacher Appreciation Breakfast, the Memorial Day assembly and the end of year car wash to raise money for next year’s programs.
Special Presentations:
Main Street Bridge – CLA Engineering Corporation: Bob Russo, Brian Long and Jeremy Williamson reviewed the plans for Main Street Bridge. They reported that the IWWA permit has been submitted. Pending their approval the project will go out to bid. They are hoping to begin work in early July and continuing into October. Detours will be set up during the time of construction.
Remarks from the Chair:
A. Lake Commission on IWWA Agenda: Chairperson Engel noted that the Lake Commission will now have an item on the agenda for the monthly IWWA meeting.
B. Other: FOI Hearing – Chairperson Engel and Mr. Cordeiro will be meeting with the FOI office on May 1s regarding the FOI Complaint filed by Mary Ann Dostaler.
The State Election Enforcement Report was provided to each council member.
Chairperson Engel provided Robert Kilpatrick, owner of Governor’s Tavern, an opportunity to speak about the Streetscape plans and the loss of parking in front of the package store. Mark Nowakowski of Classic Auto was present to support Mr. Kilpatrick. He indicated that the loss of space will not be a detriment to his business, only an inconvenience. Mike Boule, co-owner of the Subway building will be losing parking spaces and the sign in front of the building. These property owners have not had success in reaching TPA Design Group for assistance. Liz Harris, Chairperson of the Streetscape Committee, explained that the property owners can apply to the State for a lease arrangement to use the property. The Town Manager’s office will set up meetings with TPA and the property
owners.
Report of Acting Town Manager:
A. Fertilizer Ordinance Forum - Tuesday, April 29, 2008 6:00pm East Hampton Middle School: Letters have been sent out inviting local businesses that sell fertilizer to the meeting. Mr. Minnick requested that Shelley Green from the Nature Conservancy also be invited.
B. Water Tower: The bid opening for the demolition of the water tower will be held on Thursday, April 24th. The bid award should be ready for the May 13th meeting.
C. East High Street Property: The property owner of the burned building at 127 East High Street indicated that they are obtaining quotes for the demolition of the building.
D. Streetscape: The project should be ready to go out to bid on May 2nd based on approvals from the State. We were not selected for the next STEAP grant. OPM indicated that our application was good and complimented the application. This application will automatically be put into the next round.
E. Sidewalk Projects: Work has started on Walnut Avenue and work will begin next week on Barton Hill.
F. Social Services Report: The Social Services quarterly report was provided to Council for review.
G. Bulky Waste Day: Mr. Drewry reviewed the costs. There is concern over the volume of bulky waste. We can be cited and shut down if there is an overage on our containers. Mr. Drewry will recommend a possible date. The residents will still require a transfer station sticker.
H. Seven Hills Bonding Issue: The engineer is in the process of putting together a final punch list. There will be a meeting with the developer. The deadline has not yet passed but the developer is aware that the work must be completed.
I. Other: Marie Durkin, Tax Collector, has announced her retirement after 35 years of service to the town. Her last day will be May 30, 2008.
Ms. Weintraub asked about the lighting at Angelico’s. She also asked about an attendant at the gate of the valet parking. Mr. Drewry will check on the procedure for the valet.
Appointments: Mr. Goff reported that two interviews were completed for the Economic Development Commission. A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Devine, to appoint Kimberley Fontaine with a term through December 31, 2010 and David Shulman with a term through December 31, 2009. Voted (7-0).
Liaison Reports:
Mr. Tuttle reported that the Water Development Task Force will meet on Friday, April 25, 2008. On Monday, April 28, 2008 Friar Associates will be giving a presentation at the Board of Education meeting regarding the High School project.
Chairperson Engel and Ms. Weintraub met with the Senior Center last Monday. There is a senior safety talk scheduled with Officer Green. There was discussion on developing a Commission on Aging. There was a discussion about a survey on senior housing needs.
Ms. Weintraub attended the Board of Finance Meeting. There is a purchasing ordinance that will be reviewed and possibly revised.
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations: None
Financial Transactions:
Transfer from Fire Marshal’s Budget to Building Department Budget as Recommended by the Board of Finance: A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve the transfer. Voted (7-0).
Tax Refunds: A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $9,776.73. Voted (7-0).
Bids and Contracts: None
Communications and Announcements: None
Coming Up:
The Town Meeting to send the budget to referendum will be held on Monday, April 28, 2008.
Donna Ralston will speak about tax relief for the elderly on May 13th.
Public Remarks:
Barbara Moore, 7 Overlook Road, suggested that commissions move their meetings to the schools and leave the Library room open for the Podium Players. Also, she would like the Town Council to consider the fertilizer ordinance in the watershed area and maybe in the future expand it to the Town. Ms. Moore complimented the Council on a good job.
Susan Wielgosh, 79 North Main Street, asked about the Podium Players using the Goff House. It was noted that there is a fee to use the Goff House. Also, she asked about a timetable for the signs at Angelico’s. Chairperson Engel spoke with Mr. Angelico and the lights will be adjusted and the signs (entrance and exit, no loitering and the leave quietly) will be ordered.
Kimberley Fontaine, 4 Railroad Avenue, thanked the Council for the appointment to the Economic Development Commission and thanked the former members of EDC. She asked that the Town Council consider attending a public information meeting in the Library annex room on April 23rd at 6:00pm. Also she noted that she understands the senior’s concerns about the annex room but it is the only other community meeting space that is available on short notice. The process to utilize a room in the schools is lengthy. We need a dedicated senior center and a dedicated community center.
Irene Curtis, Wangonk Trail, asked about the status of 13 Watrous Street, 103 Main Street and the Airline Trail. Mr. Drewry responded that we are waiting for the State to survey the area so we know the boundaries, there is no funding for the recommendation to tear down the building at 13 Watrous Street and 103 Main Street is awaiting funding.
John Ciriello, Childs Road, asked about the annex room at the senior center being used in the evening. Chairperson Engel noted that the seniors store their exercise equipment in that room and a piece of equipment was broken when the room was used by others. He mentioned that it is difficult to use the schools.
Patience Anderson, 17 Anderson Way, noted that the Lake Commission’s second education seminar will be held on Thursday, April 24th at 7:00pm.
Nelson Maurice, Mallard Cove, indicated the need for a new Senior Center and feels the town needs a long range plan. Other towns have better senior facilities. He reviewed a survey of staff at senior centers in area towns.
Ivy Maurice, Mallard Cove, thanked the Town Council members for coming to the Senior Center. It has made a big difference for the seniors.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, commented on the SEEC findings. She thanked the election volunteers for their work on the election. She also thanked Irene Curtis, she feels it was important to see everything that was happening with the new voting system. She does not feel that any of the complaint was personal. She feels that East Hampton being made an example with the new voting system can be positive. She looks forward to volunteering during the November election.
Reserved: None
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Goff, to adjourn the meeting at 9:07 p.m. Voted (7-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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